Experimental evaluation of the thermal performance and capillary limit of a screen mesh heat pipe using SDBS and Al2O3-water-based nanofluids.

This study evaluates the effect of using alumina (Al₂O₃)-water nanofluids stabilized by sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) on the thermal performance and capillary limit of a screen mesh heat pipe. Nanofluids were prepared using three Al₂O₃ concentrations (0.1 mass/%, 0.5 mass/%, and 1.0 mass/%) and two SDBS concentrations (0.064 mass/% and 0.32 mass/%). The stability of the nanofluids was studied by means of UV-absorbance measurements prior to the experimental test. The results show that the thermal resistance of the heat pipe decreased by up to 50% with Al₂O₃ and SDBS at concentrations of 0.5 mass/% and 0.32 mass/%, respectively. Nevertheless, the capillary limit was reduced between 25 and 45 W compared to the operation with water. Finally, the capillary limit was improved by 5 W (compared to water) using an Al₂O₃ concentration of 0.1 mass/% and no surfactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]